ITV has nearly trebled the pay of its chief executive to £8.4 million after a year in which the commercial broadcaster’s profits soared.

Adam Crozier’s total remuneration was boosted by nearly £6 million worth of shares awarded under incentive schemes, ITV disclosed in its annual report yesterday.

The former Royal Mail and Football Association boss received £4 million after cashing in shares that were handed to him as a “golden hello” when he joined ITV in April 2010. He made another £2 million under ITV’s long-term share incentive scheme.